ILOILO CITY -- The provincial government of Iloilo is eyeing to address the gap in its agriculture and fishery sectors.
Speaking at the 1st Provincial Farmers’ Week, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said there’s a need to identify the gaps in farming and fisheries sectors to be able to draw up policies.
“We have to do our best to maximize our potential in both agriculture and fisheries,” Defensor emphasized.
One major concern is the bulk of natural produce and its by-products.
“We have a large sugar industry here, we have a coffee industry and we plant cacao. But we don’t have a candy factory. The best candies that we eat even come from abroad,” noted Defensor.
The Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Center is set to develop the value chain for both agricultural and fisheries products, which should be able to compete in the international market.
Another key area is the strengthening of farm tourism, said Defensor.
All of these concerns will be discussed during the Farmers’ Congress on Friday, Oct. 7.
Meanwhile, there’s an Agri-Fishery Trade Expo at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol until Friday. Products and equipment such as farm tractors are also on display.